Tournament

This weekend Brandon and his baseball team participated in a 9U tournament and his team took home first place. I know Brandon is a small boy and is very sensitive, but believe it or not, he is an awesome baseball player. He can really play. (I'm not just saying this because he is my bonus child.) Way to go Red Wings!!!

Benihana B-day Lunch

Nahille, Gina, Me & Lisa

I work at a small office. The practice has been in operation for a little over two years. There are just four of us and we all get along really well. Like Gina said, "It's like working with your sisters." The doctor, Nahille, is my age. She is single, without children and is available. Anybody, know a great guy she could hook up with? (My Scottie too Hottie is already taken.) Gina is the operations manager (She's transferring to McKinney in a couple of weeks to work closer to home, so she's leaving us.) and we have been friends for about eight years. She is one of my very best and closest girlfriends. Lisa works the front desk (She's promoting to operations manager.) and has three daughters in their twenties. (My kids love her!)

Gina, and I turned a year older this month so my boss, Nahille, took us to Benihana's to celebrate our birthdays. Scott was able to meet up with us too, which was nice. We enjoyed the food, (By now, you should know it's my favorite!) and got our bellies full. Then, we had to go back to work.

Many Thanks, Nahille!!!

Ricky's Open House

Thursday night was Open House for Ricky. Before we left, I wasn't too happy with him. Ricky had called my crying with bad news, he had learned he did not pass his reading TAKS test. I was informed by his teacher he had a negative attitude the day of this crucial exam. He stated to his teacher on the day of this state mandated test, he was bored and didn't feel like taking it. Both his teachers and I agree, he has the potential.

Ricky will get a second opportunity to retake the exam. He's confident he will pass. I hope so or I'll have two fifth graders next year.

Aside from that, this was actually the first Open House I enjoyed. They had FOOD!!! Each student in Ricky's class was assigned a state to research. The students were to bring a food their state was known for. Ricky was to bring potato chips since Idaho is known for potatoes. However, he didn't bring them. (That's a whole other story. Ricky had spent the night the night before at his Dad's and he was to bring the chips the following day. His "Dad" didn't have money to purchase them. Isn't a "big grab" like .99 cents? According to Ricky, his Dad takes care of every thing.) If my kids don't tell me in advance what they need, I can't help them. They shouldn't wait till the last moment. Anyway, the other food his classmates brought, we sampled.

The one proud moment I experienced was meeting his "buddy." Ricky has taken under his wing a boy who has special needs. He has a brain injury which resulted from his delivery at birth. Ricky escorts him to class and watches out for him. Ricky is considered a "cool and popular" kid at school and he has a bit of an arrogance to him. It touches my heart he has gone out of his way to take care of his friend and has set aside his image and what other "normal" kids might say. If you know Ricky though, he really doesn't care what anyone thinks of him.

We both met Ricky's buddy's Mom. His buddy's teacher was adamant we meet his mother and tracked her down. His Mom thanked Ricky for being so good to her son.

Boo Boo

Allan came in from playing outside whining he wanted a Popsicle. I didn't want him to have it because I didn't want to stay in the kitchen to watch him. I wanted to go to my bedroom to resume reading my new book, Story Telling. (Thank you Gina!! She gave it to me for my birthday.) I asked him if he wanted a candy instead. He went to Elena's room. Apparently, she has a stash there.

After Allan got a lollipop, he came into my bedroom.

Allan: (Excited) "Gook Mommy."

Mom: "What Allan?"

Allan: (Proudly) "Gotta boo boo! Onna banaid (wanna bandaid)."

He was chasing a ball down our driveway and fell. Scott said he cried for a split second. He's a tough boy. God, please, don't tell me he's going to be accident prone like his Daddy.

Open House

Last night, was open house for Elena. Now, that she's in "junior high," she requested I not take any photos for my blog while we were there. (I would hate to embarrass her. You know, she has an image to uphold.) I respected her wishes. Although, I could care less what others think, and she shouldn't either. It's a phase we all go through. (I remember my Mom dropping me off at junior high in her metallic blue hatchback Toyota Corolla, and not wanting to be seen in it.)

All her teachers praised her and had nothing but positive comments. They were too kind. Honestly, I expected to hear nothing less. I believe she is an awesome girl who has the desire to be successful. She makes me proud! Keep up the good work!!

Update

Last night, at the boys baseball game it was a little on the cold side. I had a fleece hoodie in the trunk of my car, so I put it on to stay warm. I put my hands in the pockets of it and guess what I found? My debit card!!!! The one Scott misplaced. I knew, it would turn up eventually.

Season Opener

Tonight was the first baseball game of the spring season. Brandon's team, The Red Wings, won their first game. Ricky's team, The Tigers, lost by one. According to Scott, Ricky made two runs. They both did really well.

I did attend Brandon's game. However, it was really difficult to focus on his game with Allan running around. Ricky's game time was 7:45 P.M., but it was delayed 45 minutes. Therefore, I had to leave because it cut into Allan's bedtime.

Easter

We celebrated Easter at my parents. I remember as a child celebrating at my maternal grandparents home or at the lake with all my cousins. We would hunt for the prized egg, which had a five dollar bill in it. I was a sore loser. My family will tell you, I would cry if I didn't find it. I remember too. (I was a kid!) We usually have a prized egg at our hunt, but for whatever reason, we didn't this year.................maybe next year.

Busy Saturday

We had a busy Saturday! Before 10 A.M., my combo anniversary/b-day gift was delivered, new mattresses. Elena got a new deserving set also, yet, she wasn't celebrating any special occasion.

As soon as the delivery guys set those up on the beds, I was out the door for some speed shopping.............this time for me! I had one hour before, we had to leave for Elena's noon soccer game. Good thing I live in the city.............I can be at a clothing store in five minutes.

Mom and Matthew attended Elena's game. (Mom promised her she would go.) The game was a tie. One to one. Scott wasn't to happy about that, but Allan and Mat had a good time playing.

Elena and Brandon took off with Mom. They were headed to the lake. They were excited to go boating on Uncle Theo's boat and to camp out. Me, I prefer my bed!

Scott and I left the game in Red Oak and drove back to G.P. It was Allan's nap time. Of course, we needed a nap too.

Then, we drove back to Red Oak to attend a church rodeo Ricky was a participant in. He LOVES the rodeo!!! His team won first place and his prize was a money clip. He was elated! I'm proud of him. (If he could only channel this drive into his academics.) Scott and I only stayed for two out of his four events. It was getting a little chilly for Allan to be out.

Since, we only had one kid, Allan. We went out to eat. We ended up going to Outback. We hadn't been there in about five years. I remember why, now. The food isn't worth the money and the service isn't great............should have gone to Benihana's. Are you tired yet?

Mama brought Sprite!!!!!!!

Don't like that big scary thing!

Responsiblity

My children, with the exception of Allan, are responsible for doing their own laundry. I use to take care of this for them. However, they didn't appreciate it. I would wash and fold their clothes. All they had to do was put it away. Brandon had an issue of putting it away. Elena complained one too many times that a shirt or a pair of jeans she wanted to wear was not clean. Ricky was pretty good about it though. Two bad apples ruined it for him. You know, it really was time for them to learn how to do laundry, anyway. When they go away, who's going to do it? They'll appreciate me later. (I hope!)

Long story short, Brandon washed his clothes Friday night along with his cell phone. Two days later, it dried out. It's working now, but we'll see how long that will last.

Skateboard Park

My older kids are very into skateboarding. They have asked me all week if I would take them to the skate park. Our city has a 1.2 million dollar facility designed for this exclusively. I wasn't to keen on taking them My thought was, "I'm going to take them just to make a trip to the emergency room." (Do you knooooooooow Brandon?)

Since Elena and Brandon are both broke, they agreed they would do a few chores. Clean their bathroom, which includes the tub, toilet, mirror and sink. Plus, mop the kitchen, dinning room and laundry room. That's worth $10. bucks each, right?

Finally, they got their wish! Let me tell you, I was nervous. Elena was one of four girls out there, and there were a ton of fearless boys. I didn't want to watch. Each time, someone would fall I would cringe. I'm not into pain. Amazingly, they walked away without a scratch. Thank God!

Easter Bunny

We went to see the Easter Bunny today at the mall. Before we left the house, I talked the Bunny up to Allan to get him excited about it. He was until that moment when we walk to stand in line. Allan stared at him with that deer in the head light look. He waved, reluctantly. I asked him if he was going to sit on his lap. He nodded no. It was our turn and his feet wouldn't move. I picked him up to sit him on the Bunny's lap. He started screaming! In order to get the photo, I had to sit with him. Yep, I'm 33 and sitting on the Bunny's lap. I just wanted a photo Allan!

My Birthday

Today is the 4th anniversary of my 29th birthday. This morning, all the important people in my life called to wish me a Happy Birthday. Thank you!

My thoughtful husband always makes sure to make my birthday special. He took me and the kids to one of my favorite restaurants, Benihana's. (You missed out, Ricky! He was invited but he had "plans.") Then, we came home to have my favorite cake and ice cream. He baked me a German chocolate cake, which I'm always impressed with and we had chocolate almond ice cream.

I love homemade cake especially, when I know my husband went out of his way to bake it for me. I think that the cake alone is the best gift ever. And, that is one of the many reason, I love him so much!!

Elena and Brandon thank you so much for the cotton candy. (They went to Chuck E. Cheese today with my Mom, Aunt Olivia, Benny's two kids, and my Mom's friend and her kids.) You shouldn't have. You know, I don't ever want you to get me anything for my birthday.

Allan, I hope you wished for something I wanted when you blew out my candles.

(Note: I'm really not drunk! My eyes are usually closed in photos because my eyes are sensitive to the flash. Besides, I probably have one drink per year.)

Six Flags

My kids are off from school for Spring Break, so today Elena, Brandon, Allan and I went to Six Flags. Ricky was invited to come, but he declined. He's spending his break at his Dad's. I was a little apprehensive about taking Allan. I knew if I didn't bring him, I would feel guilty I sent him to daycare when I had the day off. I figured, "What the heck?" I brought him along.

I'm glad he went. He had a blast! Can you tell? He and I spent our time at Looney Tune Land. I rode the rides with him, even though, I don't like to ride the rides. They make me queasy. Some of the "baby" rides even tickled my stomach. Allan was a bit impatient waiting in line to ride the rides. He would jump up and down an throw a tantrum. He even cried. He was quite content once we were on a ride, though.

After we all had lunch, Daddy came to pick Allan up, so he could go home and nap. Poor little fella was worn out.

Brandon and Elena were ready to leave and come home after five hours. Do I have weird kids or what? Usually, it's me ready to leave first. They said the lines were too long.

Before we left, I stopped to play the guessing game. The young girl gave me a choice of guessing my age or weight. I opted for my age. I mean what girl wants some stranger t0 guess her weight? She guessed 27. Wrong!!!! I won a prize of my choice. I chose a Tweety hat, but I was told by my older kids that wasn't cool. I went and traded it for the Scooby Doo hat, since they will be the ones to wear it.

After we left Six Flags, it was time for Mom to have some "ME" time. I went to pamper myself with a pedicure. It's Spring time, I can't walk around with open toed shoes and have funky feet!

Debit Card

When my husband ask to use my debit card, I admit, I was a little hesitant. I love my husband dearly, however, he has a tendency to misplace things. Reluctantly, I let him borrow it. He left his at work in his locker and he wanted fajitas for dinner, Sunday night. We typically, don't have cash on hand...................and we gotta eat. (The fajitas were tasty. He makes the best!)

I went to pick something up to eat for me and Allan, Monday night. That's when I discovered I didn't have my debit card. I searched, frantically, through my purse, with that sick sunken bottomless stomach pit feeling. I had to put my $4.77 purchase on a credit card. Luckily, it's 0% interest. I stopped, and tried to back track. "Oh yeah! I knew I didn't want Scott to borrow it."

I called Scott and he said, "I thought I gave that back to you." Right!!! Long story short, I had to call the bank (Yeah me, because I created this issue.) and cancel my card. While my new one is in the process of being delivered ( 5 to 10 business days) Scott was kind enough to loan me his. I love you honey, but you've gotta slow down!

No Ending

Last night, Scott and I watched No County for Old Men on DVD. It received four out of four stars in People magazine among many rave reviews. It was also nominated for several awards. I believe it even won an Oscar. The movie had our interest from the beginning. It was very suspenseful. However, just when you think you're going to find out what the ending is, it ends! It didn't have an ending with answers. WHAT THE HECK! What's that about? I was disappointed. How could it win an Oscar, if it didn't even have an ending with an explanation? I felt ripped off.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

Today, we went to the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Lower Greenville. My hubby was assigned to the event, so I had special parking privledges. The parade started at 11 A.M. People start showing up at 8 A.M. Since Scott had reserved a parking spot for me, we arrived at 10:45 A.M. I was happy to sleep in!

We had a great view and the weather was perfect. We stood at the beginning of the parade. There were a 120 floats and alot of interesting spectators all dressed for the occasion.

I had Allan on my hip 90% of the time. There was a dog beside us with it's owner on a leash. You know, we both don't like dogs. I did fine though.

We collected more beads than we know what to do with. I caught mine with my one free hand. We also, came home with four shirts. One says, Kiss me I'm S@#%faced. (Where am I going to wear that to?)

All in all, we had a great time. Next time though, I'm bring the stroller.

DQ

Growing up in a small town, the only "restaurant" in town was Dairy Queen. However, it was called "Scary Queen." If you saw the employees and ate the food you would understand why. I could probably count on one hand the times I was a patron there. I still wouldn't eat at that particular location to this day.

Well, there is a DQ in Cedar Hill. When I'm in the area, I stop to order two burritos. It takes me back to the times of the school cafeteria burritos and I love them!

Now, I don't have to wonder when am I going to pass through Cedar Hill so I can go to DQ. I discovered one in Mansfield. (I hope you are appreciating my excitement!) Now, I can eat burritos whenever I want. Ricky and Brandon are playing baseball in that city. That means, I'll be in that general area at least twice a week. I'm sure I won't have it that often though. You know that saying, "A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips."

Brandon's Pants

I have kept a few items of Elena, Ricky and Brandon (i.e., clothing, toys, and blankets.) from birth to now. I'm not like my Aunt Olivia, though. She keeps everything!

Yesterday, morning I dressed Allan in a pair of jeans that use to belong to Brandon when he has three. They fit Allan perfect! It gives me hope Allan has a strong possibility he may be taller than Brandon. However, on the other hand, it saddens me all my children are growing so quickly. Where does the time go?

My Little Angel

Allan is beginning to form sentences and his vocabulary is increasing. Remember, he is classic type A. He doesn't like to have sticky hands, sit at a messy table or wear dirty clothes. Those are a few examples. Well, yesterday afternoon, he was drinking peach tea from a 20 oz water bottle. A bit dribbled on his shirt and he said to my dismay, "Awwwwwwwwwwwww Shit!" I just stared at him stunned. I explained to him it wasn't a nice word.

Then, on our way to Ricky's baseball practice, his bike was in the back of our SUV. The bike would sway side to side and make a noise. He'd say, "Awwwwwwwwwwwwww Shit, bike!" I said, "Allan, stop saying that word." He said, "No, Mommy!" Ricky chimes in and says to him, "Mommy is going to wash you mouth out with soap."

Cousin's

My kids spent the afternoon with all their (maternal) cousins yesterday afternoon. They came over. We had lunch. (Thanks, Mom and Dad!) They played outside. Then..................we all went to Chuck E. Cheese!!!!!!! (Where a kid can roam free without any parental supervision and scream as if they were auditioning for a horror movie. Not mine!) We went to celebrate Aarron's report card. He made straight A's at his new school. A great time was had by all the kids. The adults left with a huge headache. The things we do for our kids!

Matt at his calmest!

Julius and Jacob playing basketball.

Allan Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeezing!

The ride Allan rode 25 times! No kidding!!